Schwinn 170 Review

Rating: 81.25%

Quick Summary

The Schwinn 170 Upright Bike is this year’s most advanced stationary bike from Schwinn Fitness. Still, at just $449 it qualifies as a low-budget trainer. It’s a good value for many beginners who aim to save money, but also want more than basic features for training. Perks include 29 on-board workout programs; eight RideSocial mobile app routes; wireless telemetry; a sound system for MP3s; and more. Read on for a detailed Schwinn 170 review.

Specifications

FitRated

Model

Schwinn 170

Rating

Our custom rating considers all of the bike's features, specs, warranties, and 100's of user & expert reviews, to save you time!

Rating: 81.25%

Our Rating

Rating: 81.25/100. The new Schwinn 170 Upright Bike (model year 2017) is ready for training with RideSocial, Bluetooth data sharing and wireless heart rate monitoring. It’s the top model in a low-priced series that also includes the Schwinn 130.

Boasting impressive features for just $449, the Schwinn 170 attracts lots of bargain shoppers. Some write enthusiastic reviews, but not all are satisfied. Our bike review can help you set priorities when choosing a discount exercise bike.

Workout programming is a clear strength of the new Schwinn 170. These programs automate the flywheel’s 25-level resistance system to help you reach specific goals. Most exciting is RideSocial integration: Connecting your mobile device, you can bike outdoors (virtually) with HD video! The Schwinn 170 has plenty of standard bike workout programs too. Details are in the “Workout Programs” section of this review.

Workout statistics are another strength with Schwinn Fitness. Multiple users can store profiles to the 170 Upright Bike, whereas most low-priced bikes support only one (if any). The wireless cardio monitoring is impressive too; few bikes under $500 support wireless heart rate monitoring. And when your workout concludes, Bluetooth makes it easy to store your results in a mobile app.

Praising this bike’s various features is easy. The main drawback is poor quality control. For $449 you’ll probably have a well-functioning machine for a year or more… but maybe not. For example, one cost-saving measure is a cheap resistance system. Another is low quality wiring.

The odds of avoiding a lemon are better with other bike models… but to get all the fun features mentioned above for just $449, something’s gotta give.

Pros:

Low price

Easy to assemble

Compact frame (Approx. 41” x 21” footprint)

Quiet magnetic resistance

Fore/aft seat adjustment

Seat has universal stem

29 on-board workout programs

RunSocial features included

Compatible with Polar wireless chest strap

Grip heart rate sensor

Mobile device holder

USB charging port

MP3 speakers

Three-speed fan

Bottle holder

Two-year warranty on parts & electronics

Cons:

Lightweight flywheel

Uncomfortable seat, but can be replaced

Below average durability

Introduction

The Schwinn 170 is the most advanced upright exercise bike from Schwinn Fitness for 2018. It isn’t built for a long-term relationship, but the 170 boasts lots of features for just $449. Next are details about the workout programming, bike parts, free warranty and guarantee.

Workout Programs

The Schwinn 170 can deliver a wide range of workout programs. The selection includes 29 on-board programs plus eight routes from RideSocial for virtual outdoor cycling.

Stored in the console computer are 25 bike workout programs:

Quick Start

Profile (12)

Heart Rate Control (9)

Fitness Tests (2)

Recovery Test

Additionally up to four users can create and store four custom routines each.

For those with mobile devices, RideSocial provides another set of workout programs. RideSocial is a mobile app that creates “mixed reality” exercise experiences with standard and 360-degree HD video. Your exercise speed controls the video speed — and if you wear a headset, you can see scenery in all directions! Venice Beach, the Swiss Alps and Tibet are among the options.

With routes up to 26.2 miles long, RideSocial can keep you motivated for many, many workout sessions. You have the option to train solo or with the avatars of other app users. Train with your real-life friends!

Schwinn 170 Features

The data monitor can store profiles for four users. To help you assess progress, with each session it shows metrics for previous workouts and your all-time best performances. Readouts include Time, Speed, RPM, Distance, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Zone, Calories and more.

Bluetooth lets you store your workout results in a mobile app for access anytime. The Schwinn 170 can sync with the Schwinn Trainer 2 app, MyFitnessPal and other fitness trackers.

Resistance for Schwinn upright bikes comes from a 13-pound flywheel with 25 tension levels. The range is meant to accommodate all ability levels.

The bike seating is customizable to fit just about anyone. According to customer reviews, the Schwinn 170 can fit people from under 5 feet to over 6 feet. Adjusting the saddle position up/down and forward/back is quick and easy. We aren’t wild about the padding, so we recommend adding a gel seat topper or swapping out the saddle; this indoor bike is compatible with standard bicycle seats.

The pedals have a simple one-crank design. (High-end stationary bikes have three-crank pedals.) To help keep you secure, they’re textured and have shoe straps.

To help keep you entertained, a media ledge is provided. The bike also has a USB port with charger, and a set of MP3 speakers to keep you motivated with music.

To help you keep cool, the 170 Upright has a water bottle holder and a three-speed fan.

Transport wheels are attached.

Warranty & Guarantee

Conclusion

It’s not winning any ribbons for durability, but the new Schwinn 170 is no doubt rewarding while it lasts. Highlights include four workout profiles, great adjustability, RideSocial workouts, wireless telemetry and Bluetooth data tracking.

Choosing an exercise bike under $500 generally involves some compromise. For alternatives see our charts of best exercise bikes in another price bracket.

Other Schwinn Exercise Bikes

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